Abstract: A control lever device suited for use as a hand brake or the like in a driving game machine and capable of achieving a realistic game machine. In the control lever device, a lever is mounted at one end of a shaft so that it turns together with the shaft, and a gear support plate is mounted at the center of the shaft. The gear support plate is provided with a transmitting gear which meshes with a transmitted gear mounted on a rotary shaft of a variable resistor. The turning motion of the lever is transmitted to the rotary shaft of the variable resistor, and the resistance of the variable resistor is changed in accordance with the amount of turn of the lever. Mounted at the other end of the shaft is an urging force applying member having an urging force generating characteristic wherein the generation rate of the urging force relative to the amount of turn of the lever increases with increase in amount of turn of the lever.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical device for providing an input to a computer program and said computer program providing a tactile output through said electromechanical device to a user. More specifically, the present invention provides an electro-mechanical virtual sword game apparatus that receives positional information from sensors on the sword apparatus and the sword apparatus contains a propulsion gyrostat that under the control of a computer process may be topple to provide a torque on the housing of the sword apparatus that may be used to simulate the impact of sword blows.

Abstract: A photoelectric control unit installed in a video game machine and operated to control the motion of a controlled object in the screen of a display unit of the video game machine, the photoelectric control unit including a housing, a steering column installed in the housing and rotated with a steering wheel, a torsional spring mounted on the steering column, the torsional spring having one end fixedly fastened to the steering column and an opposite end fixedly connected to a fixed spring holder inside the housing, and a photoelectric controller formed of an optical transmitter and detector assembly and a signal processing circuit board for detecting rotary motion of the steering column and outputting to the display unit of the video game machine a signal indicative of rotary motion of the steering column.

Abstract: The virtual image generation apparatus (1000) is a virtual image generation apparatus for a game unit or the like, and comprises a plurality of (for example, two) input means (11: control levers, joysticks, or the like) for generating codes associated with operating direction, decoding means (101: a CPU, controller, or the like) for inputting codes generated through operation of the plurality of input means and assigning a control profile for a movable object associated with a combination of a plurality of input codes, and image generation means (101, 108-117: a CPU, geometalyzer, graphic controller, or the like) for generating virtual images whereby the movable object control profiles assigned by the decoding means are reflected in relative motion of the movable objects within virtual space.

Abstract: A control-key device is provided for use as a controller for a video game including a direction specifying key mounted on a housing which an operator manipulates to control the play of a video game, where the surface of said direction specifying key comprises a combination of concave portions to facilitate use of the direction specifying key. The unit preferably comprises a push button and a housing including a hole through which the push button protrudes. The housing extends along a plane wherein said plane intersects a plane perpendicular to an axis of said push button at a predetermined angle, and said plane of said housing also extending parallel to a plane defined by the surface of said push button.

Abstract: A portable electronic hand-held device for recording and computing basketball data during the game includes an impact-resistant housing having a top surface equipped with an LCD (liquid crystal display) of rectangular contour, and a series of control touch keys. The keys are arranged in groups which relate to player or teams, game events, and operational features of the device. A microcontroller, interactive with separate non-volatile data storage systems provides the ability to record and manipulate game, team and season information.

Abstract: A track ball control system which is attachable to a computer system that has a display screen on which a cursor is positionable, including at least one track ball regulator for providing physical control of the position of the track ball in response to signals from the control system. These signals depend on the location of the cursor on the display screen and cause the track ball to change in movement. This change in movement may be a vertical change, and/or an azimuthal change. The operator does not control this change in movement except indirectly by knowingly or unknowingly positioning the cursor in a position which causes the signals to be sent to the track ball.

Abstract: A game player is allowed to punch a punching ball and the shape of a captured image is transformed in conformity with the punching force applied to the ball. An image is captured by a camera or memory card reader. The player punches the punching ball, causing the shape of the captured image to be transformed. The larger the acceleration of the punching ball when it is punched, the greater the transformation in the shape of the captured image. The transformed image is displayed on a display unit and may be printed if desired. The player can experience a game more realistic than one in which the shape of a computer-graphics image is transformed.

Abstract: A vertically oriented payment-receiving enclosure and player's console for an arcade game has two juxtaposed check acceptors hinged to it. This allows one of the acceptors to be swung out of the way while the other remains in its normal operating position during servicing and inspection. The arrangement also allows improved maintenance access to an enclosed portion of a player's control mounted in a top portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A wearable vibration device for video games having a video game electrical signal decoder unit. An I.C. circuit, a D.C. battery, and an electrical circuit are located in the decoder unit. The decoder unit has an electrical input terminal for connection to a video game CPU and it has an electrical output terminal for connecting a video game controller thereto. A vibration unit has means for mounting it on a person's hand. Different systems can be utilized to transmit instructions from the decoder unit to the vibration unit, the simplest structure would be electrical wires connecting the two units.

Abstract: In a portable game machine 10, formed on the upper portion of a body portion 20 is a camera portion 30. An image display device 22 is arranged on one main surpace of the body portion 20, and operating switches 23, 24, etc., are arranged on other areas. The camera portion 30 is rotatably supported to the body portion 20, and a user can shoot images in both forward and backward directions when viewed from the user. Preferably, the camera portion 30 is supported having a prescribed angle to the body portion 20 so that its focal axis tilts with respect to main surfaces of the body portion 20.

Abstract: A grip for a controller of a video game machine or video computer system that reduces slipping of the controller, increases the user's comfort and keeps the user's finger tips in proper position during use of the controller. The controller grip of the present invention provides a way to inexpensively, quickly and easily give a controller a different size, shape and/or ornamental design. The controller grip of the present invention has a covering material securable to the controller. The covering material is sized and configured to cover the controller in manner that the user has access to the controller's action control buttons and the selection control buttons.

Abstract: A bridge bidding device having a keypad visible only to the user and a display board visible to the other players. The keypad and display board are each arranged in two rows of ten blocks. The keypad has bidding indicia on each block that includes the numbers one through seven, the four card suits and NT, and PASS, DBL, REDBLE, SKIP BID and ALT. The keypad also has the control indicia for BID, ER and CLOSE. The keypad blocks are also touchpads for the transmission of the bidding and control information. The top row of the display board can exhibit the numbers one through seven and PASS, DBL, REDBLE, SKIP BID and ALT. The bottom row of the display board can exhibit the four card suits and NT. The bidding information is exhibited by means of light emitting diodes. A large-scale silicon integrated active component and support components mounted on a multilayer printed circuit board controls the accumulation and dissemination of information.

Abstract: A combination pool cue stick and controller is provided which includes a housing.A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a housing adapted to move over a flat surface, the housing including a stalk extending upwardly from the housing supporting a tapered tubular or ring-like member adapted to receive a pool cue, sensing means in the housing, the stalk and the tubular member to sense the position and movement of the pool cue and send this information to circuitry which processes the information for input into a computer which in turn uses appropriate compatible software to display the effects of the pool cue activity.

Abstract: Control apparatus is illustrated in the form of a joystick type device that can be manipulated or operated by a human hand in a plurality of directional modes with respect to a support base which support base may include a handgrip for the operators other hand to provide additional support when the joystick is being vigorously manipulated. The apparatus can provide signals responsive to horizontal, vertical, rotational and tilt movement with respect to the support base in addition to signals generated by the actuation of contacts on the joystick by individual digits of the hand moving the joystick. A further handgrip on the support base may include contiguous additional signal generators actuateable by digits of the hand contacting the further handgrip.

Abstract: A mounting system which releasably and securely mount an entertainment accessory within an automobile. The automobile has first and second headrests extending from at least one seat and an internal floor. The mounting system comprises a first case for receiving the entertainment accessory and a first quick connect device for releasably securing the first case to the internal floor and at least one of the first and second headrests.

Abstract: A screen segment, viewing isolation apparatus is provided for a video screen that is divided up into plural screen segments and includes a housing which includes a plurality of optical channels, wherein each of the optical channels is registrable with a respective screen segment. When a video screen is divided into four screen segments, four players can employ an embodiment of the invention to see their respective screen segments without being confused by screen segments of other players. An embodiment of the invention that accommodates four players can be converted into an embodiment which accommodates two players for separately viewing two screen segments. The housing includes a top housing wall, a bottom housing wall, and exterior wall supports connected between the top housing wall and the bottom housing wall. An interior vertical partition is connected between the top housing wall and the bottom housing wall at medial positions of the top housing wall and the bottom housing wall.

Abstract: A television video game unit storage system for holding a television video game unit, control pad input devices, and game cartridges in an organized manner. The television video game unit storage system includes a bottom panel with a front wall, first and second side walls and a pair of middle walls upwardly extending therefrom. The middle walls define therebetween an open top and open back main compartment designed for receiving a television video game unit therein. The second side wall and the second middle wall define therebetween a cartridge compartment designed for receiving a plurality of game cartridges for a television video game therein. The first side wall and the first middle wall define therebetween a side compartment with an upwardly extending open front upper housing designed for receiving therein control pad input devices for a television video game unit.

Abstract: When an operational unit is inclined in an X- or Y-direction, an universal support mechanism and a rotation angle detection mechanism are used to detect the inclined direction and angle. The detection results are supplied to a computer system (not shown). When the operational unit is pushed down at the neutral position, a push detection switch detects it. The detection result is also supplied to the computer system. In addition, a rotation angle detection switch 10 detects rotation of the operational unit about a Z-axis. The detection result is supplied to the computer system.

Abstract: The present invention automatically adjusts the sensitivity of a game controller to a player's input. A n-dimensional speed vector having components that are indicative of the speed of an object in an n-dimensional game environment is read from the output of the game controller. Those speed vector components with small dynamics (e.g., small speeds) relative to the other speed vector components are suppressed, thereby producing a filtered speed vector. The components of the filtered speed vector are then tested for oscillations. Oscillations in the components of the filtered speed vector are indicative of small displacements made by the player while focusing on a game task requiring additional controller precision (e.g., focusing on a target). When such oscillations are detected, the ratio of the speed of the object, over the displacement of the game controller (e.g., deflection) is adjusted to some predetermined value.

Abstract: A hand-held video game system having a microprocessor controller with address and data buses for providing memory accesses during memory cycles to a plurality of cartridge slots for electrically connecting cartridges containing memory to the address and data buses. An output terminal of the microprocessor controller provides cartridge-select signal which identifies a first memory containing cartridge to be accessed during an initial memory cycle with the microprocessor controller controlling the output terminal to change the cartridge-select signal for transparently accessing a second memory containing cartridge for a subsequent memory cycle. The cartridge slot may also provide a port for transferring and receiving information over a bi-directional communication link in which a communication cartridge allows communication over the internet, and allows for interactive play of a video game.

Abstract: A mounting clip for a rotary potentiometer. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting clip comprises front and back generally vertical opposing side segments elastically deformable relative to each other between a naturally biased position and an outward flexed position. The back side segment defines a pair of legs sized to accommodate a shaft of the potentiometer. The mounting clip is useful for mounting the rotary potentiometer relative to a support wall of a joystick assembly in a position wherein a body portion of the potentiometer is adjacent to the support wall and the shaft of the potentiometer projects through an opening in the support wall. When the potentiometer is so positioned, the mounting clip may be slid downward over the potentiometer and support wall such that the front side segment overlies an outer flat surface of the potentiometer and the legs straddle the shaft of the potentiometer on the other side of the support wall.

Abstract: A control pad with two input ports for establishing a connection with two three-axis input devices permits six-axis game play. The control pad contains a microprocessor which determines whether one or two three-axis input devices are connected thereto and generates an address signal for communication with a game console to inform a microprocessor of the game console on power up of an exact nature of peripheral input devices which are attached. A thumb-operated rotor assembly is fitted to a top of a joystick for z-axis control and thus allows single-handed three-axis control of computer games through the joystick.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shift lever mechanism used in driving a simulative running machine. The shift lever mechanism has a first shaft extending along a first axis and a second shaft extending along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. An operation lever is pivotable about the first axis and the second axis. The shift lever mechanism further includes a speed zone setter for variably setting a speed of the running machine among a plurality of speed zones including a neutral zone by shifting the operation lever, and a torsion spring for applying a biasing force to bias the operation lever toward the neutral zone. It is set such that the biasing force exerted by the torsion spring is transmitted to a pivotal movement of the operation lever about the first shaft and the second shaft.

Abstract: A momentary contact motion switch (12) comprising a structure (14) for attaching the momentary contact motion switch (12) to a limb (16) of a person (18). A facility (20) is for connecting the momentary contact motion switch (12) to a video game unit (22), which is coupled to a television monitor (24). When the person (18) move their limb (16) and activates the momentary contact motion switch (12) a martial arts fighter (26) in a martial arts video game (27) will move a matching limb (28), that will be displayed on the television monitor (24).

Abstract: A manipulator for controlling TV game sets suitable for manipulating various kinds of games by means of variety of control modules with simple functions combined together in a control box. A user does not have to prepare large amount of control modules in order to manipulate different types of TV game set and enable him to save money.

Abstract: A sound feeling device (1) having a case main body (4) which is constituted of, at least, a case (3) having a bottom (3x) in contact with the body when the device (1) is used and a partition plate (5) which is mounted with a loudspeaker (6), and, together with the case (3), defines a sound producing space. The bottom (3x) vibrates upon receiving sounds from the loudspeaker (6), and is curved at least, at the part which is in contact with the body when used, along the shape of the body.

Abstract: A game device comprises operational input means 30, 40 for inputting operational signals supplied by operation of game players, game control means 10 for controlling a game, based on the operational signals of the operational input means 30, 40, and game display means 20 for displaying the game controlled by the game control means 10, the operational signals of the operational input means 40 being displayed by the game display means 20. The game player can confirm game operations they made. As a result, the game player can relatively readily see their game operations they made without stress given to them.

Abstract: A remote control system for providing information to an electronic apparatus such as a PC, Net computer or video game. The system includes a remote controller for generating an IR signal containing information usable by the apparatus, including cursor position information, select commands and other information. The system also includes a primary controller that is connected to the electronic apparatus typically, but not necessarily, by a cable. The primary controller includes a secondary controller having a movable element. The secondary controller generates relative position information based on the position of the movable element. The primary controller also receives the IR signal from the remote controller, converts this signal into electronic form, and then provides this signal to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic game having a display screen for viewing of images generated by the internal circuitry of the game is provided. The game includes player controls for interactively playing the game with one of the controls being a multi-directional control key which can be used to control movements of an image on the screen for playing the game. The game has a joystick adapter which allows a joystick to be used in lieu of the control key for controlling image movement. Preferably, the joystick adapter includes a releasable snap-fit attachment between the joystick and control key to allow the joystick to be readily snapped into an operative position on the key for pivoting the key with the joystick. The game can also include mounting clips for receiving the joystick when it is not being used in a stored position attached to the game housing. The joystick can be configured in the form of an action figure to enhance its appeal to youngsters.

Abstract: A game input device and game apparatus are provided in which a beginner can easily control the position of an object to be controlled and which can actually cause players to feel shocks produced when a plurality of objects to be controlled collide against one another through a simplified structure. Arcuate rotary type controllers are provided which comprise two controllers 30-1 and 30-2 rotatably moved along an arc in the lateral direction. Two players can perform input by using these controllers 30-1 and 30-2. Each of the players can simply move the corresponding one of the controllers 30-1 and 30-2 in the lateral direction. The objects controlled by one of the players will never move beyond the objects controlled by the other player. Thus, a collision occurs between the controlled objects. The present invention causes a collision between the controllers 30-1 and 30-2 to be transmitted directly to the players as collision between the controlled objects.

Abstract: A timing system for a video game unit. The video game timer is a stand alone device, that works independently of existing video game unit ROM and is adaptable for use on a console or hand held video game unit. The system has software controlled functions for easy redesign. The timer system interrupts the power supply of the video game unit and can be connected to any interface on the game unit when power is present. In a first and second preferred embodiments the timer is connected to a power input jack of the video game unit. In a third embodiment the timer is inserted into the slot that ordinarily holds the game cartridge. In a fourth embodiment the timer is inserted into the battery cover slot. The system can be accomplished in a microcontroller or as discrete electronic components. A method of timing the use of video games is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and an adjustable circuit using a joystick activated controller constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention to provide balanced forward and reverse directional regulation of bidirectional motors oppositely deployed to cooperation in the propulsion of an item of equipment. The joystick responds to the hand of a human operator to regulate the operation of a pair of motors driving opposite sides of an item of equipment along a path of travel. By operating the joystick, the operator can adjust the speed and the forward and reverse directions while trimming the motors or actuators to allow the piece of construction equipment to travel a straight path, or alternatively, to enable the operator to toggle the joystick to guide the equipment during its operational performance, along a path of varied direction.

Abstract: An airline-based video game system includes a multitasking master computer, which preferably stores video game and other application programs on its hard disk. The master computer is coupled to a set of airplane zone control computers which also perform conventional cabin management tasks. The zone control computers receive data from the master control computer and couple data to identified seat controlling processing units (SEBs). Each SEB receives data from, and couples data to, a set of unique seat display units which are associated with each seat in the airplane. The system downloads application software to the seat display units from the master computer. After receipt of a downloading request, the master computer responds by setting up an application program transmission for generating the display menu which appears on each SDU. The initial applications program downloading results in a menu display at every passenger seat which initiated a request.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a data processing system which can realize a variety of process. A secondary memory cassette 31 includes a connector 32 which can be connected to both a primary memory cassette 21 or a processing device body, and address transfer circuit 39 which judges whether the connector has been connected to the primary memory cassette 21 based upon the connection state of the connector and outputs an address transfer signal, and a memory 38 which outputs data corresponding to the address transfer signal and the address signal supplied from connector 32. The primary memory cassette 21 includes a mask ROM 28, a connector 22 for connection with the processing device body, and a connector 24 which can be connected with the secondary memory cassette 31. A predetermined pin of connector 24 is connected to a ground.

Abstract: A hand-held LCD game machine is used as a hand-held LCD fish finder, in addition to its original game functions. Instead of a typical ROM game cassette, another device, which includes a cassette portion, a main body, and a float sensor having an ultrasonic transmitter, is inserted into the LCD game machine, so that the topography of the water bottom and the fish in water are displayed on a LCD panel by means of a program ROM having a memory to display the same based on an echo signal issued and received through the ultrasonic transmitter.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a housing having right and left handles, and a coupling for coupling them. The handles are formed with grips, and direction instructing switches for instructing the character moving direction. The switches are disposed in the thumb position area of the player in the upper parts of the grips. A step is formed between the operating regions for forming direction instructing switches and grips, and the thumb of the player draws a spontaneous arc along the step.

Abstract: A joystick having an electromagnetic element coupled to a movable stick, with at least a pair of orthogonal coils on an underlying substrate. Alternately, the coils and electromagnetic elements can be reversed. The movement of the stick is detected by the amount of overlap of the electromagnetic element and the coils in each direction. The quality factor of the coil changes as more or less of the coil is overlapped, which can be measured by an electric circuit to determine the direction of movement and the amount of movement of the joystick. The electromagnetic element could be, for instance, a conductive steel plate, or a piece of another metal or of another conductive material, or ferrite particles. The coil could be wound (preferably on air only or, if needed to reach a higher value of inductance, on a magnetic core, provided this is small enough to not hide the effect of the mobile electromagnetic element).

Abstract: A collision warning system is for a head mounted display (HMD) (10) worn by a user, for example as the interface to a virtual reality system, to warn of nearby objects in the physical environment. A motion detector (30,32) detects positional changes of the HMD, which changes are reflected in changes of a displayed image viewpoint, and a comparator stage (38,40) determines whether the movement takes the user into a "prohibited" area. If so, a visual and/or audible warning is provided to the user via the HMD (10). In an embodiment, the display screens (18) of the HMD include liquid crystal display shutters (20) which are switched to a transparent state in the event of an imminent collision such that the user is not only warned of the danger but also able to see it without having to remove or adjust the HMD.

Abstract: A riding board game controller for sending directional and non-directional control signals to an audio-visual game having a microprocessor-based host computer for sending audio-visual signals to a display device, the riding board game controller comprising: a substantially rectangular platform, pivotally supported along its central longitudinal axis on a playing surface and adapted to support an operator standing thereon, such that side-to-side pivoting of the platform can be performed by the operator; a biasing system, positioned between the platform and the playing surface, for biasing the platform away from the playing surface; a left dual-state switch, positioned between the platform and the playing surface, on the left side of the longitudinal axis, and activated by a pivoting of the platform to the left side; a right dual-state switch, positioned between the platform and the playing surface, on the right side of the longitudinal axis, and activated by a pivoting of the platform to the right side; a cent

Abstract: An interactive vibrator system provides stimulus to a computer user in response to interaction between computer and user. A signal pick-off device (16) gathers signals present at the computer input/output port (11) and delivers such signals to signal processing device (14) which in turn drives vibrator (21) to provide soothing vibration to the user's body. An interactive vibrator in conjunction with a multimedia computer detects pulses or the like from joystick or other input devices. Corresponding driving of one or more vibrators in response to the detected input device X, Y, Z movement commands or in response to detected audio output from the computer produces tactile feedback to a user of a multimedia game or the like. The vibrations can thereby simulate "G" forces or the like. The joystick, steering wheel or other such input devices are also suitably provided with vibrators therein to generate tactile feedback in response to operation thereof or in response to the audio signals.

Abstract: A foot operated mouse for controlling a computer, providing similar functions as a conventional hand operated mouse. The novel foot operated mouse has a base which rests on a horizontal pad or surface, and a separate platform for supporting the foot. A ball for generating positional signals based upon an x-and-y coordinate grid is fixed to the base. The foot platform is attached to the ball and can wobble, or simultaneously rotate and incline, thereon. Switch operators corresponding to conventional finger operated control buttons of a conventional hand operated mouse are provided. Preferably, these switch operators are hinged to the foot platform, and incline when depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the foot platform and switch operators are integral. In the latter embodiment, switch operation results from contact of the platform with the base. Preferably, the upper surface of the platform is inclined, thereby establishing a toe position and a heel position.

Abstract: A video game control unit includes separable console and base sections, with the console section housing a steering wheel video game input device that automatically returns to a central, neutral position. The base section of the video game control unit includes a baseplate, a pedestal and a tray, with the pedestal affixed on the baseplate and the tray resting on and affixed to the pedestal. The tray is flat and bounded by four walls which hold the removable console section in place on the tray. The steering wheel video game input device automatically returns to its central position by means of a restorative force applied by ball bearings received in the ends of coil springs and urged against a V-shaped centering cam which is locked onto a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel. Provisions are included for providing left-turn and right-turn signals to a computer interface circuit included in the console housing.

Abstract: A joy stick structure for video game comprises a pressing plate having a central socket integrally provided thereunder, a body having a central through hole, a plurality of first spaces and a second space, a stick having a first end with a sphere thereof and a second end firmly received within the central socket of the pressing plate through the central through hole of the body and a plurality of transmission mechanisms securely received within the first spaces of the body. A positioning boss is formed integrally on the sphere and received within the second space of the body preventing unrequired movement of the stick. The sphere of the stick provides a smooth sliding effect.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a housing which consists of right and left handles, and a coupling for coupling the handles. Both handles are formed with grips and direction instructing switches for instructing the character moving direction. The direction instructing switches are disposed in the thumb position area of the player in the upper parts of the grips. A step is formed between the operating regions for the direction instructing switches and the grips, such that the thumb of the player draws a spontaneous arc along the step.

Abstract: A gaming machine chair comprising a seat (7), a back (8) and and a support member (1a) for supporting them and being installed facing a gaming machine in a gaming house. It comprises at least one armrest (2); an operation section (3) for a player to perform operating instructions for the gaming machine; a card read/write section (6) for taking in and discharging a card and reading and writing information from and into a recording area of the card; and a control section (9) for transferring information to and from the card read/write section and accepting instruction operation from the operation section and sending it to the gaming machine, wherein the operation section (9) and the card read/write section (6) are placed on the armrest (2).

Abstract: Digital input devices are automatically identified when attached to a game port, serial port, or parallel port of a personal computer, without requiring user interaction. In a disclosed embodiment, a digital game pad is connected to the game port of a personal computer and includes a device port for connecting other input devices, including another digital game pad, a digital joystick, or an analog input device. A polling request is implemented by a class driver to detect a digital input device and to determine its type. A class driver calls a device detection function that successively checks for registered devices in a list. A minidriver for each class of device is responsible for determining if the type of device with which it is used is attached to the port. Once the connected device is identified, the operating system registry is updated with the ID of the connected device.

Abstract: An electronic game system includes a game console, which accepts a game cartridge and runs the games stored therein, and a wireless controller for controlling actions in the game. The wireless controller includes a radio frequency transmitter for sending control signals to the console, and the console includes a receiver for receiving the control signals from the controller. Because the controller uses radio frequency signals instead of infrared signals to send information to the console, the controller may be operated at a large distance from the console. Thus, the game system of the invention may be used in long range applications wherein the console and the controller need to be separated by a relatively large distance.

Abstract: A local video game (310) including a communicating controller (326). The controller (326) receives local command signals created by a set of player controls (316). The controller (326) also receives remote command signals received through a modem (324) which were created by a remote video game (320) through a similar set of player controls. The controller (326) includes a synchronizer (328) which produces synchronizing codes to be sent to the remote video game (320) to synchronize the games. The synchronizer (328) synchronizes the local and remote command signals such that both are received by a game microprocessor (322) simultaneously. Memory (336) stores the player parameters and are retrieved whenever the synchronization codas of the local (310) and remote (320) video games have not matched for a predetermined number of iterations.

Abstract: A three-dimensional amusement device for transforming the outer appearance of a video terminal thus enhancing its appeal and improving the state of mind of the person requiring its use, particularly when that person is a child.